Why We Recommend It:
Hotel Riu Palace is a high-end, adults-only all-inclusive next door to the infamous Atlantis casino, hotel, and nightclub complex on The Bahamas’ Paradise Island.
It’s a relatively small resort but one which gets lively, especially around the pool bars, and it can be seen as a party resort though spring break groups are not allowed.
Rooms & Suites:
Their suites, which range in size from entry level 334 sq. ft. doubles to 753 sq ft two-bedroom units, are comfortable and spacious.
They are also nicely furnished with impressive-looking dark wood pieces including in some cases four poster beds.
All suites look crisp, clean, and bright, with pale wood floors, white walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows. All also have either terraces or balconies and some come with excellent sea views.
Standard facilities include free daily restocked minibars with dispensers, air con, coffeemakers, study desks, electronic safes, luxury toiletries, balconies or terraces, and 24-hour room service.
Take a look at your room options now – with prices, reviews, and photos – at Expedia here or at Booking.com here.
Food, Facilities & Things to Do:
The main restaurant at Riu Palace is Atlantic which serves buffet food all day. The buffet choices can vary slightly but there is always a wide variety of both international and local favorites, and the quality as far as we could see is very good.
Every couple of nights, to add some extra flavor, they have themed food events and there is a traditional jerk chicken stand just outside open throughout the day.
Beyond that there are four la carte restaurants: the Tengoku for Japanese, the Sir Alexander for French fine dining, Krystal Fusion for a variety of contemporary cuisine, and the Bahamas Grill and Steakhouse.
All have high standards of food and service and have a smart casual dress code, though no reservations are required. Don’t be surprised to have to endure a short wait for a table at peak dinner times though.
Though it’s a fairly boozy resort there are no dedicated pubs. The main nightlife action is centered around the pool bars which go on late and can get very lively. Room service (alcohol included) is available 24/7.
The famous Atlantis complex, sometimes known as Vegas by the sea, is a short walk from the Riu Palace and guests are able to buy day passes for Aquaventure and marine exhibits as well as check out their casinos, shops, and nightclubs.
On-land sports at Riu seem to be no more than beach volleyball though you have aerobics and other fitness classes at the gym. You can though organize a whole range of water sports just off-site for an extra fee including jet skis, parasailing, paddleboards, and banana boats.
The Renova Spa has a nice variety of treatments, including for couples, a whirlpool bath, sauna, beauty salon, and fitness center. The sauna and fitness center are free for guests to use with spa treatments costing extra.
Location:
Riu Palace is on the very beautiful, but very busy, Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island, probably the Bahamas’s most well known tourist spot.
So it’s a lively place but not as lively as its aforementioned neighbor up the road, Atlantis which lives up to its name as Las Vegas by the sea and dominates Paradise Island. Guests of Riu can access all its facilities including its popular water park and its casino, nightclubs and bars.
Riu Palace Paradise Island is around a half an hour from Nassau International Airport with the resort providing a shuttle service for guests.
Some Guest Reviews:
“Great place, very attentive staff, great food. Amazing beach area suitable for long walks. Heated pool was very enjoyable as well as time in the ocean. Overall amazing and highly recommended…..”
“Second time staying at this location and loved it again! The staff is very friendly and accommodating. The resort is conveniently located, clean, and modern. The food – especially the jerk hut – is so delicious!!….”